New Trial Dates for Man Accused of Murdering Owner of Farmington Hotel

(Farmington) A new trial date is set in a murder case for a man accused of killing the owner of the Farmington Holiday Inn.

30-year-old Anthony Caruthers of Bonne Terre will have a jury trial September 28th through October 2nd.

His last chance to plea bargain will be September 2nd.

Caruthers allegedly killed Michael VanStavern on November 2nd of 2016.

Besides murder, Caruthers is charged with armed criminal action, burglary and four other related felonies.

38-year-old Jeremy Reed of Farmington was also charged with burglary and tampering with evidence in the case.

Reports say Reed told police Caruthers strangled VanStavern at the Red Cedar Lodge in Bonne Terre.

Reed says he was called after the murder and was asked to help dispose of the body.

The two also went to VanStavern’s apartment, allegedly robbed it and attempted to pawn the items.

However, the two were captured after police pulled over VanStavern’s Porsche SUV for a traffic violation.

That’s when police found the body in the trunk.

Reed took an alford plea two both charges, which means there was enough evidence to convict but he does not admit guilt.

Reed is in prison right now, serving 8 years for the alford plea.